on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for managing financial responsibility linked to investor-state dispute settlement tribunals established by international agreements to which the European Union is party

on the proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for managing financial responsibility linked to investor-state dispute settlement tribunals established by international agreements to which the European Union is party

– having regard to the Commission proposal to Parliament and the Council (COM(2012)0335),

– having regard to Article 294(2) and Article 207(2) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, pursuant to which the Commission submitted the proposal to Parliament (C7-0155/2012),

– having regard to Article 294(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

– having regard to Rule 55 of its Rules of Procedure,

– having regard to the report of the Committee on International Trade (A7-0124/2013),

1. Adopts its position at first reading hereinafter set out;

2. Calls on the Commission to refer the matter to Parliament again if it intends to amend its proposal substantially or replace it with another text;

3. Instructs its President to forward its position to the Council, the Commission and the national parliaments.

Amendment 1

Proposal for a regulation

Title

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for managing financial responsibility linked to investor-state dispute settlement tribunals established by international agreements to which the European Union is party

Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for managing financial responsibility linked to investor-to-state dispute settlement tribunals established by international agreements to which the European Union is party

Justification

To formally align the title of the regulation to the definition included in Article 2(d).

Amendment 2

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(1) With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the Union has acquired exclusive competence for the conclusion of international agreements on investment protection. The Union is already party to the Energy Charter Treaty which provides for investment protection.

(1) With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, the Union has acquired exclusive competence for the conclusion of international agreements on investment protection. The Union, like the Member States, is already party to the Energy Charter Treaty which provides for investment protection.

Justification

Even without this regulation, ISDS procedures can be carried out under the Energy Charter and in practice involve the Member States as parties to the Treaty.

Amendment 3

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(2) Agreements providing for investment protection typically include an investor-to-state dispute settlement mechanism, which allows an investor from a third country to bring a claim against a state in which it has made an investment. Investor-to-state dispute settlement can result in awards for monetary compensation. Furthermore, significant costs for administering the arbitration as well as costs relating to the defence of a case will inevitably be incurred in any such case.

(2) In the cases where it is justifiable, future investment protection agreements concluded by the Union can include an investor-to-state dispute settlement mechanism, which allows an investor from a third country to bring a claim against a state in which it has made an investment. Investor-to-state dispute settlement can result in awards for monetary compensation. Furthermore, significant costs for administering the arbitration as well as costs relating to the defence of a case will inevitably be incurred in any such case.

Justification

It should be highlighted that it is not a necessity to include ISDS provisions in future EU investment agreements and that their inclusion should be a conscious and informed policy choice that requires political and economic justification. Even if there is a general policy choice in favour, the question whether to include ISDS should be decided for each International Investment Agreement in the light of the particular circumstances.

Amendment 4

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3a) Financial responsibility cannot be properly managed if the standards of protection afforded in investment agreements were to exceed significantly the limits of liability recognised in the Union and the majority of the Member States. Accordingly, future Union agreements should afford foreign investors the same high but no higher level of protection than Union law and the general principles common to the laws of the Member States grant to investors from within the Union.

Justification

This recital underlines the need to keep financial responsibility of the Union within the well-established limits of the law of the Union and the common legal tradition of the Member States.

Amendment 5

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 3 b (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(3b) Delineation of the outer limits of financial responsibilities under this Regulation is also linked to the safeguarding of the Union's legislative powers exercised within the competences defined by the Treaties, and controlled for their legality by the Court of Justice, which cannot be unduly restrained by potential liability defined outside the balanced system established by the Treaties. Accordingly, the Court of Justice has clearly confirmed that the Union's liability for legislative acts, especially in the interaction with international law, must be framed narrowly and cannot be engaged without the clear establishment of fault.1 Future investment agreements to be concluded by the Union should respect these safeguards to the Union's legislative powers and should not establish stricter standards of liability allowing a circumvention of the standards defined by the Court of Justice.

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1 FIAMM and Fedon v. Council and Commission [2008] ECR I-6513

Justification

In line with the common legal tradition of the Member States, the CJEU held that the Union can, as a rule, not be held liable for legislative acts adopted in conformity with EU law irrespective of international law so long as it does not grant individuals directly enforceable rights. Unless framed restrictively, EU investment treaties will thus allow arbitral tribunals to hold the Union liable to foreign investors for legislative acts where EU investors would have no claim under EU law.

Amendment 6

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(4) Where the Union has international responsibility for the treatment afforded, it will be expected, as a matter of international law, to pay any adverse award and bear the costs of any dispute. However, an adverse award may potentially flow either from treatment afforded by the Union itself or from treatment afforded by a Member State. It would as a consequence be inequitable if awards and the costs of arbitration were to be paid from the Union budget where the treatment was afforded by a Member State. It is therefore necessary that financial responsibility be allocated, as a matter of Union law, and without prejudice to the international responsibility of the Union, between the Union and the Member State responsible for the treatment afforded on the basis of criteria established by this Regulation.

(4) Where the Union,as an entity having legal personality, has international responsibility for the treatment afforded, it will be expected, as a matter of international law, to pay any adverse award and bear the costs of any dispute. However, an adverse award may potentially flow either from treatment afforded by the Union itself or from treatment afforded by a Member State. It would as a consequence be inequitable if awards and the costs of arbitration were to be paid from the budgetof the European Union(Union budget) where the treatment was afforded by a Member State. It is therefore necessary that financial responsibility be allocated, as a matter of Union law, and without prejudice to the international responsibility of the Union, between the Union itself and the Member State responsible for the treatment afforded on the basis of criteria established by this Regulation.

Amendment 7

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6) Financial responsibility should be allocated to the entity responsible for the treatment found to be inconsistent with the relevant provisions of the agreement. This means that the Union should bear the financial responsibility where the treatment concerned is afforded by an institution, body or agency of the Union. The Member State concerned should bear the financial responsibility where the treatment concerned is afforded by a Member State. However, where the Member State acts in a manner required by the law of the Union, for example in transposing a directive adopted by the Union, the Union should bear financial responsibility in so far as the treatment concerned is required by Union law. The regulation also needs to foresee the possibility that an individual case could concern both treatment afforded by a Member State and treatment required by Union law. It will cover all actions taken by Member States and by the European Union.

(6) Financial responsibility should be allocated to the entity responsible for the treatment found to be inconsistent with the relevant provisions of the agreement. This means that the Union itself should bear the financial responsibility where the treatment concerned is afforded by anyinstitution, body, agency or other legal entity of the Union. The Member State concerned should bear the financial responsibility where the treatment concerned is afforded by that Member State. However, where the Member State acts in a manner required by the Union law, for example in transposing a directive adopted by the Union, the Union itself should bear financial responsibility in so far as the treatment concerned is required by Union law. The regulation also needs to foresee the possibility that an individual case could concern both treatment afforded by a Member State and treatment required by Union law. It will cover all actions taken by Member States and by the Union. In such a case, the MemberStates and the Union should bear financial responsibility for the specific treatment afforded by either of them.

Amendment 8

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 6 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(6a) When the Member State acts in a manner inconsistent with that required by Union law, for example when the Member State fails to transpose a directive adopted by the Union or exceeds the terms of a directive adopted by the Union when implementing it into national law, the Member State should consequently bear financial responsibility for the treatment concerned.

Amendment 9

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 8

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(8) On the other hand, where a Member State would bear the potential financial responsibility arising from a dispute, it is appropriate, as a matter of principle, to permit such Member State to act as respondent in order to defend the treatment which it has afforded to the investor. The arrangements set down in this Regulation provide for that. This has the significant advantage that the Union budget and Union resources would not be burdened, even temporarily, by either the costs of litigation or any eventual award made against the Member State concerned.

(8) On the other hand, where a Member State would bear the potential financial responsibility arising from a dispute, it is equitable and appropriate, as a matter of principle, to permit such Member State to act as respondent in order to defend the treatment which it has afforded to the investor. The arrangements set down in this Regulation provide for that. This has the significant advantage that theUnion budget and Union non-financial resources would not be burdened, even temporarily, by either the costs of litigation or any eventual award made against the Member State concerned.

Justification

The non-financial resources of the Union refer, for example, to the personnel or staff of the Union.

Amendment 10

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 10

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(10) In certain circumstances, it is essential, in order to ensure that the interests of the Union can be appropriately safeguarded, that the Union itself act as a respondent in disputes involving treatment afforded by a Member State. This may be so in particular where the dispute also involves treatment afforded by the Union, where it appears that the treatment afforded by a Member State is required by Union law, where it is likely that similar claims may be brought against other Member States or where the case involves unsettled issues of law, the resolution of which may have an impact on possible future cases against other Member States or the Union. Where a dispute concerns partially treatment afforded by the Union, or required by Union law, the Union should act as a respondent, unless the claims concerning such treatment are of minor importance, having regard to the potential financial responsibility involved and the legal issues raised, in relation to the claims concerning treatment afforded by the Member State.

(10) In certain circumstances, it is essential, in order to ensure that the interests of the Union can be appropriately safeguarded, that the Union itself may act as a respondent in disputes involving treatment afforded by a Member State. This may be so in particular where the dispute also involves treatment afforded by the Union, where it appears that the treatment afforded by a Member State is required by Union law, where similar claims have been lodged against other Member States or where the case involves issues of law, the resolution of which may have an impact on current or possible future cases against other Member States or the Union. Where a dispute concerns partially treatment afforded by the Union, or required by Union law, the Union should act as a respondent, unless the claims concerning such treatment are of minor importance, having regard to the potential financial responsibility involved and the legal issues raised, in relation to the claims concerning treatment afforded by the Member State.

Amendment 11

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 12

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(12) It is appropriate that the Commission decide, within the framework set down in this regulation, whether the Union should be the respondent or whether a Member State should act as respondent.

(12) In order to create a workable system, the Commission should decide, within the framework set down in this regulation, whether the Union should be the respondent or whether a Member State should act as respondent and inform the European Parliament and the Council of any such decision as part of its annual reporting on the implementation of this Regulation.

Amendment 12

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 14

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(14) Equally, when a Member State acts as respondent it is appropriate that it keep the Commission informed of developments in the case and that the Commission can, where appropriate, require that the Member State acting as respondent takes a specific position on matters having a Union interest.

(14) Equally, when a Member State acts as respondent it is appropriate that it keeps the Commission informed of developments in the case and that the Commission can, where appropriate, require that the Member State acting as respondent takes a specific position on matters having an impact on the overriding interests of the Union.

Amendment 13

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 15

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(15) A Member State may at any time accept that it would be financially responsible in the event that compensation is to be paid. In such a case the Member State and the Commission may enter into arrangements for the periodic payment of costs and for the payment of any compensation. Such acceptance does not imply that the Member State accepts that the claim under dispute is well founded. The Commission should be able to adopt a decision requiring the Member State to make provision for such costs. In the event that the tribunal awards costs to the Union, the Commission should ensure that any advance payment of costs is immediately reimbursed to the Member State concerned.

(15) Without prejudice to the outcome of the arbitration proceedings, a Member State may at any time accept that it would be financially responsible in the event that compensation is to be paid. In such a case the Member State and the Commission may enter into arrangements for the periodic payment of costs and for the payment of any compensation. Such acceptance does not imply in any legal manner that the Member State accepts that the claim under dispute is well founded. The Commission may in such a case adopt a decision requiring the Member State to make provision for such costs. In the event that the tribunal awards costs to the Union, the Commission should ensure that any advance payment of costs is immediately reimbursed to the Member State concerned.

Amendment 14

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 16

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(16) In some cases, it may be appropriate to reach a settlement in order to avoid costly and unnecessary arbitration. It is necessary to lay down a procedure for making such settlements. Such a procedure should permit the Commission, acting in accordance with the examination procedure, to settle a case where this would be in the interests of the Union. Where the case concerns treatment afforded by a Member State, it is appropriate that there should be close co-operation and consultations between the Commission and the Member State concerned. The Member State should remain free to settle the case at all times, provided that it accepts full financial responsibility and that any such settlement is consistent with Union law and not against the interests of the Union.

(16) In some cases, it may be appropriate to reach a settlement in order to avoid costly and unnecessary arbitration. It is necessary to lay down an effective and swift procedure for making such settlements. Such a procedure should permit the Commission, acting in accordance with the examination procedure, to settle a case where this would be in the interests of the Union. Where the case concerns treatment afforded by a Member State, it is appropriate that there should be close co-operation and consultations between the Commission and the Member State concerned, including on the proceedings of the settlement procedure and on the amount of the monetary compensation. The Member State should remain free to settle the case at all times, provided that it accepts full financial responsibility and that any such settlement is consistent with Union law and not against the interests of the Union as a whole.

Amendment 15

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 18

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(18) The Commission should consult closely with the Member State concerned in order to reach agreement on the apportionment of financial responsibility. Where the Commission determines that a Member State is responsible, and the Member State does not accept that determination, the Commission should pay the award, but should address a decision to the Member State requesting it to provide the amounts concerned to the budget of the European Union, together with applicable interest. The interest payable should be that set down pursuant to [Article 71(4) of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the general budget of the European Communities as amended]. Article 263 of the Treaty is avalable in cases where a Member State considers that the decision falls short of the criteria set out in this Regulation.

(18) The Commission should consult closely with the Member State concerned in order to reach agreement on the apportionment of financial responsibility. Where the Commission determines that a Member State is responsible, and the Member State does not accept that determination, the Commission should pay the award, but should address a decision to the Member State requesting it to provide the amounts concerned to the Union budget, together with applicable interest. The interest payable should be that set down pursuant to Article 78(4) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No 966/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25October 2012 on the financial rules applicable to the general budget of the Union1. Article 263 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union is available in cases where a Member State considers that the decision falls short of the criteria set out in this Regulation.

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1 OJ L 298, 26.10.2012, p. 1.

Amendment 16

Proposal for a regulation

Recital 19

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(19) The Union budget should provide coverage of the expenditure resulting from agreements concluded pursuant to Article 218 of the Treaty providing for investor-state dispute settlement. Where Member States have financial responsibility pursuant to this Regulation, the Union should be able to either accumulate the contributions of the Member State concerned first before implementing the relevant expenditure or implement the relevant expenditure first and be reimbursed by the Member States concerned after. Use of both of these mechanisms of budgetary treatment should be possible, depending on what is feasible, in particular in terms of timing. For both mechanisms, the contributions or reimbursements paid by the Member States should be treated as internal assigned revenue of the Union budget. The appropriations arising from this internal assigned revenue should not only cover the relevant expenditure but they should also be eligible for replenishment of other parts of the Union budget which provided the initial appropriations to implement the relevant expenditure under the second mechanism.

(19) The Union budget should provide coverage of the expenditure resulting from agreements concluded pursuant to Article 218 of the Treaty providing for investor-to-state dispute settlement. Where Member States have financial responsibility pursuant to this Regulation, the Union should be able to either accumulate the contributions of the Member State concerned first before implementing the relevant expenditure or implement the relevant expenditure first and be reimbursed by the Member States concerned after. Use of both of these mechanisms of budgetary treatment should be possible, depending on what is feasible, in particular in terms of timing. For both mechanisms, the contributions or reimbursements paid by the Member States should be treated as internal assigned revenue of the Union budget. The appropriations arising from this internal assigned revenue should not only cover the relevant expenditure but they should also be eligible for replenishment of other parts of the Union budget which provided the initial appropriations to implement the relevant expenditure under the second mechanism.

Justification

To align the recital to the definition of Article 2(d).

Amendment 17

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) ‘costs arising from the arbitration’ means the fees and costs of the arbitration tribunal and the costs of representation and expenses awarded to the claimant by the arbitration tribunal;

(b) ‘costs arising from the arbitration’ means the fees and costs of the arbitration tribunal, arbitration institution and the costs of representation and expenses awarded to the claimant by the arbitration tribunal;

Amendment 18

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) ‘dispute’ means a claim brought by a claimant against the Union pursuant to an agreement and on which an arbitration tribunal will rule;

(c) ‘dispute’ means a claim brought by a claimant against the Union or a MemberState pursuant to an agreement and on which an arbitration tribunal will rule;

Amendment 19

Proposal for a regulation

Article 2 – point j a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(ja) "overriding interests of the Union" means any of the following:

(i) there is a serious threat to the consistent or uniform application or implementation of investment provisions of the agreement subject to the investor-to-state dispute to which the Union is a party,

(ii) a Member State measure may conflict with the development of the Union's future investment policy,

(iii) the dispute implies a possible significant financial impact on the Union budget in a given year or as part of the multiannual financial framework.

Amendment 20

Proposal for a regulation

Article 3 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. Where provided for in this Regulation, the Commission shall adopt a decision determining the financial responsibility of the Member State concerned in accordance with the criteria laid down in paragraph 1.

2. Where provided for in this Regulation, the Commission shall adopt a decision determining the financial responsibility of the Member State concerned in accordance with the criteria laid down in paragraph 1. The European Parliament and Council shall be informed of such a decision.

Amendment21

Proposal for a regulation

Article 7 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

As soon as the Commission receives notice by which a claimant states its intention to initiate arbitration proceedings, in accordance with the provisions of an agreement, it shall notify the Member State concerned.

As soon as the Commission receives notice by which a claimant states its intention to initiate arbitration proceedings, or as soon as the Commission is informed about a request for consultations or a claim against a Member State, it shall notify the Member State concerned and inform the European Parliament and the Council on any prior request from a claimant for consultations, on the notice by which a claimant states its intention to initiate arbitration proceedings against the Union or a Member State within 15 working days of receiving the notice, including the name of the claimant, the provisions of the agreement alleged to have been breached, the economic sector involved, the treatment alleged to be in breach of the agreement and the amount of damages claimed.

Amendment22

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c)it is likely that similar claims will be brought under the same agreement against treatment afforded by other Member States and the Commission is best placed to ensure an effective and consistent defence; or,

(c)similar claims or requests for consultations concerning similar claims have been lodged under the same agreement against treatment afforded by other Member States and the Commission is best placed to ensure an effective and consistent defence; or,

Amendment 23

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 – point d

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(d) the dispute raises unsettled issues of law which may recur in other disputes under the same or other Union agreements concerning treatment afforded by the Union or other MemberStates.

(d) the dispute raises sensitive issues of law the resolution of which may affect the future interpretation of the agreement in question or ofother agreements.

Amendment 24

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. Where the Union assumes to act as respondent pursuant to a decision of the Commission in accordance with paragraph 2 or the default rule set out in paragraph 1, such determination of the respondent status shall be binding on the claimant and the arbitration tribunal.

Justification

For reasons of legal certainty is should be clarified that the claimant or the arbitral tribunal are subject to the rules on the determination of the respondent status and that any rights arising under an agreement of the Union are subject to this unilateral determination. The provisions of this Regulation should not be susceptible of being discussed or altered by arbitral tribunals.

Amendment 25

Proposal for a regulation

Article 8 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. The Commission shall inform the other MemberStatesand the European Parliament of any dispute in which this Article is applied and the manner in which it has been applied.

4. The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and the Council of any dispute in which this Article is applied and the manner in which it has been applied.

Amendment 26

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 1 – point b

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(b) inform the Commission of all significant procedural steps, and enter into consultations regularly and, in any event, when requested by the Commission; and,

(b) inform the Commission of all significant procedural steps without delay, and enter into consultations regularly and, in any event, when requested by the Commission; and,

Amendment 27

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 2

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2. The Commission may, at any time, require the Member State concerned to take a particular position as regards any point of law raised by the dispute or any other element having a Union interest.

2. Where overriding interests of the Union so require, the Commission may, at any time after consultations with the Member State concerned, require that Member State to take a particular position as regards any point of law raised by the dispute or any other issue of law, the resolution of which may affect the future interpretation of the agreement in question or of other agreements.

Amendment 28

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 2 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

2a. If the Member State concerned considers the request of the Commission as unduly compromising its effective defence, it shall enter into consultations with a view to finding an acceptable solution. Where an acceptable solution cannot be found, the Commission may take a decision requiring the MemberState concerned to take a particular legal position.

Amendment 29

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. When an agreement, or the rules referred to therein, provide for the possibility of annulment, appeal or review of a point of law included in an arbitration award, the Commission may where it considers that the consistency or correctness of the interpretation of the agreement so warrant, require the Member State to lodge an application for such annulment, appeal or review. In such circumstances, representatives of the Commission shall form part of the delegation and may express the views of the Union as regards the point of law in question.

3. When an agreement, or the rules referred to therein, provide for the possibility of annulment, appeal or review of a point of law included in an arbitration award, the Commission may where it considers that the consistency or correctness of the interpretation of the agreement so warrant, after consultations with the Member State concerned, require that Member State to lodge an application for such annulment, appeal or review. In such circumstances, representatives of the Commission shall form part of the delegation and may express the views of the Union as regards the point of law in question.

Amendment 30

Proposal for a regulation

Article 9 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3a. If the Member State concerned refuses to lodge an application for annulment, appeal or review, it shall inform the Commission within 30 days. In this case the Commission may take a decision requiring the MemberState concerned to lodge an application for annulment, appeal or review.

Amendment 31

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – point c

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

(c) the Commission shall provide the Member State with all documents relating to the proceeding, so as to ensure as effective defence as possible; and,

(c) the Commission shall provide the Member State with all documents relating to the proceeding, keep the Member State informed of all significant procedural steps and enter into consultations with the Member State in any event when requested by the Member State concerned, so as to ensure as effective defence as possible; and,

Amendment 32

Proposal for a regulation

Article 10 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

The Commission shall regularly inform the European Parliament and the Council of developments in the arbitration proceedings referred to in the first paragraph.

Amendment 33

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Where the Union is respondent in a dispute concerning treatment afforded, whether fully or in part, by a Member State, and the Commission considers that the settlement of the dispute would be in the interests of the Union, it shall first consult with the Member State concerned. The Member State may also initiate such consultations with the Commission.

1. Where the Union is respondent in a dispute concerning treatment afforded, whether fully or in part, by a Member State, and the Commission considers that the settlement of the dispute would be in the interests of the Union, it shall first consult with the Member State concerned. The Member State may also initiate such consultations with the Commission. The MemberState and the Commission shall ensure mutual understanding of the legal situation and possible consequences and avoid any disagreement with a view to the settlement of the case.

Amendment 34

Proposal for a regulation

Article 13 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. In the event that the Member State does not consent to settle the dispute, the Commission may settle the dispute where overriding interests of the Union so require.

3. In the event that the Member State does not consent to settle the dispute, the Commission may settle the dispute where overriding interests of the Union so require. The Commission shall provide the European Parliament and the Council with all relevant information about the Commission's decision to settle the dispute, in particular its justification.

Amendment 35

Proposal for a regulation

Article 14 – paragraph 3 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3a. Where a Member State is respondent in a dispute exclusively concerning treatment afforded by its authorities and decides to settle the dispute, it shall notify the Commission of the draft settlement arrangement and shall inform the Commission of the negotiation and the implementation of the settlement.

Justification

Many investment disputes are settled before they actually go to arbitration. In order to make progress in elaborating a coherent EU investment policy, the Commission should be notified about all settlements taking place for disputes that are raised under EU agreements.

Amendment 36

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. Where the Union acts as respondent pursuant to Article 8, and the Commission considers that the award or settlement in question should be paid, in part or in full, by the Member State concerned on the basis of the criteria laid down in Article 3(1), the procedure set out in paragraphs 2 to 5 shall apply.

1. Where the Union acts as respondent pursuant to Article 8, and the Commission considers that the award or settlement in question should be paid, in part or in full, by the Member State concerned on the basis of the criteria laid down in Article 3(1), the procedure set out in paragraphs 2 to 5 of this Article shall apply. That procedure shall also apply where the Union,acting as respondent pursuant to Article8, is successful in the arbitration but has to bear any costs arising from the arbitration.

Amendment 37

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 3

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

3. Within three months of receipt of the request for payment of the final award or settlement, the Commission shall adopt a decision addressed to the Member State concerned, determining the amount to be paid by that Member State.

3. Within three months of receipt of the request for payment of the final award or settlement, the Commission shall adopta decision addressed to the Member State concerned, determining the amount to be paid by that Member State. The Commission shall inform the European Parliament and Council of such decision and its financial reasoning.

Amendment 38

Proposal for a regulation

Article 17 – paragraph 4

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

4. Unless the Member State concerned objects to the Commission's determination within one month, the Member State concerned shall compensate the budget of the Union for the payment of the award or the settlement no later than three months after the Commission's decision. The Member State concerned shall be liable for any interest due at the rate applying to other monies owed to the budget of the Union.

4. Unless the Member State concerned objects to the Commission's determination within one month, the Member State concerned shall compensate with the equivalent amount the Union budget for the payment of the award or the settlement no later than three months after the Commission's decision. The Member State concerned shall be liable for any interest due at the rate applying to other monies owed to the Union budget.

Amendment 39

Proposal for a regulation

Article 18 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. The Commission may adopt a decision requiring the Member State concerned to make financial contributions to the budget of the Union in respect of any costs arising from the arbitration where it considers that the MemberState will be liable to pay any award pursuant to the criteria set down in Article 3.

1. Where the Union acts as respondent pursuant to Article8, and unless an arrangement has been entered into pursuant to Article11, the Commission may adopt a decision requiring the Member State concerned to make advance financial contributions to the Union budget in respect of foreseeable or incurred costs arising from the arbitration. Such a decision on financial contributions shall be proportionate, taking into account the criteria set down in Article 3.

Amendment 40

Proposal for a regulation

Article 19

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

A Member State's reimbursement or payment to the budget of the Union, for the payment of an award or a settlement or any costs, shall be considered as internal assigned revenue in the sense of [Article 18 of Council Regulation (EC, Euratom) No1605/2002 of 25 June 2002 on the Financial Regulation applicable to the General Budget of the European Communities]. It may be used to cover expenditure resulting from agreements concluded pursuant to Article 218 of the Treaty providing for investor-state dispute settlement or to replenish appropriations initially provided to cover the payment of an award or a settlement or any costs.

A Member State's reimbursement or payment to the Union budget, for the payment of an award or a settlement or any costs, including those referred to in Article18(1) of this Regulation, shall be considered as internal assigned revenue in the sense of Article21(4) of Regulation (EU, Euratom) No966/2012. It may be used to cover expenditure resulting from agreements concluded pursuant to Article 218 of the Treaty providing for investor-to-state dispute settlement or to replenish appropriations initially provided to cover the payment of an award or a settlement or any costs.

Amendment 41

Proposal for a regulation

Article 20 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. The Commission shall be assisted by [the Committee for Investment Agreements established by Regulation [2010/197 COD]]. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

1. The Commission shall be assisted by the Committee for Investment Agreements established by Regulation (EU) No 1219/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2012 establishing transitional arrangements for bilateral investment agreements between MemberStates and third countries1. That committee shall be a committee within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No 182/2011.

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1 OJ L 351 20.12.2012, p. 40.

Amendment 42

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 1

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1. The Commission shall submit a report on the operation of this Regulation to the European Parliament and the Council at regular intervals. The first report shall be submitted no later than three years after the entry into force of this Regulation. Subsequent reports shall be submitted every three years thereafter.

1. The Commission shall submit a detailed report on the operation of this Regulation to the European Parliament and the Council at regular intervals. That report shall contain all relevant information including the listing of the claims made against the Union or the MemberStates, related proceedings, rulings and the financial impact on the respective budgets. The first report shall be submitted no later than five years after the entry into force of this Regulation. Subsequent reports shall be submitted every three years thereafter unless the budgetary authority, comprised of the European Parliament and the Council, decides otherwise.

Amendment 43

Proposal for a regulation

Article 21 – paragraph 1 a (new)

Text proposed by the Commission

Amendment

1a. The Commission shall annually submit to the European Parliament and to the Council a list of requests for consultations from claimants, claims and arbitration rulings.

PROCEDURE

Title

Establishing a framework for managing financial responsibility linked to investor-state dispute settlement tribunals established by international agreements to which the EU is party